For the Reporter

The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognizes Carol Hering-Phillips, coordinator of information technology, for her outstanding service at 7 p.m. Monday in the James P. Fugate Administration building.

Hering-Phillips just celebrated her 10-year anniversary in the district. She previously worked in banking where she was an analyst, programmer and project manager.

She was looking for a change from the corporate world when she saw the job in the school district. As a longtime Auburn resident, she already was familiar with the district. Her husband was the principal at Auburn Riverside High School. Both of her daughters are Auburn High graduates.

Hering-Phillips is the subject matter expert for all things related to the Skyward student information system. She is responsible for knowing all of the student data requirements and then developing policies and procedures to support the requirements.

She has a deep understanding of school district business practices and parlays that knowledge to those in the field in practical ways to support schools in their student record work.

She also is responsible for the monthly enrollment reporting, numerous state reports and keeping up with the ever-changing state requirements.

“I rely on Carol’s expertise, and she is always more than happy to troubleshoot problems and find solutions,” said Carol Smetheram, Auburn Mountainview registrar. “I could not do my job without her.”

Elsewhere

The board of directors also recognizes Emmett Weichbrodt, a fourth-grader at Hazelwood Elementary, for being an outstanding student on Monday.

Weichbrodt goes above and beyond in order to exceed grade-level expectations. Hazelwood had to create an entirely new level in the math fact challenge to keep up with his depth and breadth of knowledge.

As a student leader, he is always kind, respectful and a wonderful peer tutor. He supports and helps his classmates with their school work in a manner that is well received by his peers. He makes sure everyone feels good about themselves and their academic progress.

“In a word, Emmett is humble,” said Carol Scofield, a second grade teacher. “He also is actively involved with his Dad in raising money for the Lymphoma/Leukemia foundation. He cheers for the underdog and is willing to step in and help out in any way he can. Emmett shares a kind word and a smile with those in need.”

Along with being a talented student and natural leader, Wiechbrodt also is an active soccer, basketball and baseball player. He thinks he might pursue teaching as a career.